Around Lake Issyk-Kul
Among celestial mountains and nomadic traditions, the complete tour of the Kirghiz alpine jewel
Duration
7 days
From
€700/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discovering Kirghizistan means entering a world of vast spaces, living traditions and landscapes shaped by mountains. This circuit invites you to tour Lake Issyk-Kul, a true inland sea nestled in the heart of the Celestial Mountains, while taking time to meet the inhabitants and share their daily lives.
Through valleys, canyons and plateaus, you alternate between gentle walks, hiking, cultural discoveries and moments of rest in nature. Iconic sites such as the Burana Minaret, Konorchek canyon or the red formations of Jety-Oguz punctuate the journey, while nights with local families offer an authentic local immersion.
Between nature, culture and Kyrgyz traditions, this stay favors a human approach to travel, supported by a committed local agency. A balanced experience, ideal for discovering Kirghizistan differently, at an accessible pace and in harmony with the territories visited.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and nature immersion in the Kyrgyz gorges
You meet your guide at 11:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby, then head out for a walk around the camp to discover the surrounding natural landscapes. The afternoon unfolds at a leisurely pace. You can relax or continue the walk to a waterfall. In spring, this walk also allows you to observe many mountain tulips, which dot the surroundings.
Aéroport International De Manas → Karabulak
Welcome upon your arrival at Manas airport by your driver. Transfer to Karabulak, the rest center located in the magnificent gorges of Tatyr and Kashka-Suu.
After about one hour of walking, you settle in for lunch and enjoy a barbecue in a natural setting.
On the way to the blue pearl of Central Asia
Departure for Lake Issyk-Kul.
You stop to visit the ruins of the Burana Minaret, an ancient Jami mosque destroyed in the 13th century during the Tatar invasions. You then climb to the top of the minaret, where you enjoy a clear view of the surrounding countryside. The visit continues with the associated museum, which provides a better understanding of the site's history.
Minaret De Burana → Le Canyon De Konorchek
You discover the Konorchek canyon, a preserved site where rock formations with scarlet hues evoke the American Grand Canyon. The red sand columns that rise all around you dominate the landscape and give the place an intimate atmosphere.
Le Canyon De Konorchek → Tamchy
You arrive on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, located at 1,609 meters altitude, the world's second largest alpine lake. A true inland sea, this lake is considered the pearl of Kirghizistan. Surrounded by the Celestial Mountains range, its snow-capped peaks reaching over 5,000 meters are reflected in the crystalline waters. From the surrounding mountains, numerous rivers join the lake through valleys with varied landscapes.
Continuation of visits then track to Chong Ak-suu
You visit the Ruh-Ordo cultural center in Cholpon-Ata, a place where culture and serenity come together. In a peaceful setting, the complex is dedicated to the four major religions: Islam, Catholicism, Judaism and Buddhism. You also discover spaces dedicated to Greek philosophers as well as several notable figures from Kirghizistan.
North of Grigorievka, you take a mountain trail that goes up the Chong Ak-Suu valley for about 40 minutes.
You then settle with a family in the region, before heading out for a horseback ride in the heart of this wooded valley.
The route follows the "great white river", a powerful mountain torrent, and also leads you to a small mountain lake in the region.
View of Issyk-Kul from Jety-Oguz
Arrival in Karakol, a peaceful small town located near Lake Issyk-Kul. You take time to visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a 19th-century Orthodox church, as well as the Chinese Mosque, whose architecture recalls Mongolian Buddhist temples and was built by Dungan craftsmen. You complete your discovery with the Przewalski Museum, dedicated to local history.
You arrive in the Jety-Orguz Valley. Covered with dense vegetation, this gorge stretches for 37 kilometers between Lake Issyk-Kul and the Celestial Mountains. Monumental crests of red rock, nicknamed "the 7 bulls", structure the landscape, immortalized on Soviet postage stamps in 1968.
You then set off on a hiking trip through the heart of the valley. Before joining your hosts for the day, you visit the stunning Skaska canyon, whose name means "fairy tale" in Kyrgyz. Overlooking Lake Issyk-Kul, its multicolored rock formations come from ancient volcanic eruptions. Their varied shapes evoke fairy-tale landscapes and offer a striking visual discovery.
Meeting with an eagle hunter
Upon arrival at your host's place in Bokonbayevo, you attend an Eagle hunting demonstration. The Kyrgyz falconer, on horseback, presents the bond that unites him with his eagle and demonstrates his hunting technique on small prey such as rabbits.
You arrive in the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, renowned for the traditional manufacture of the Kyrgyz yurt.
A family from the village will have the honor of showing us how a yurt is built, and if you wish you can help them in this activity.
Return to Bishkek and city visit
Last day of travel before reaching the Kyrgyz capital. You leave the lush mountains of Kyrgyzstan, after discovering a warm people and traditions still deeply rooted, then arrive at Bishkek. You settle into your hotel, where you can take a moment to rest. You head to the Osh Bazaar, the most bustling market in Kyrgyzstan. Throughout your visit, stalls of dried fruits and spices follow one another in an atmosphere with the colors of Central Asia. You also find many traditional souvenirs from the country. You stroll through the Ala-Too Square, in the heart of Bishkek. A meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive every evening with many residents coming to stroll around. This square has also been the setting for several landmark events in the country's history.
Good to see you and until next time!
Breakfast at the hotel.
Bishkek → Aéroport International De Manas
You are then taken to Bishkek International Airport. The return transfer is carried out according to your flight schedule.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transport
- Passport fees
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals in Bishkek
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
- Supplement for "single" room
Included
- Airport / hotel / airport transfers
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Bishkek, breakfast included
- 1 night in a camp lodge
- 2 nights with a host family, including 1 night in a yurt
- 2 nights in a guest house
- Mineral water
- Full board during the excursion
- Vehicle + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide
- Local equestrian guides
- Horse rental
- Entrance fees for parks and museums mentioned
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns entry requirements for tourism stays in Kyrgyzstan. Entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality. We recommend verifying the conditions with the embassy or consulate of Kyrgyzstan in your country of residence, as well as with your own country's authorities, before departure.
Passport
To enter Kyrgyzstan, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourism entry requirements
Entry requirements for tourism stays depend on your nationality and the applicable bilateral agreements between Kyrgyzstan and your country of citizenship.
Verify the specific conditions with the embassy or consulate of Kyrgyzstan in your country of residence to determine whether you require a visa or whether an exemption applies, and the maximum duration of stay permitted.
The authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward travel),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation booking.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Kyrgyzstan is required to register with the immigration services within five working days of arrival.
In practice, this registration is generally completed automatically by the hotel or accommodation provider. If staying with a private individual (private rental, host family), it is the responsibility of the host or the traveller to complete this formality at the local registration office (ОВИР).
It is advisable to keep a copy of the registration certificate, which may be requested during police checks or when leaving the territory.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Health and vaccines
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Kyrgyzstan. However, certain vaccinations are recommended for preventive purposes, including:
typhoid and hepatitis A, due to local sanitary conditions,
rabies, particularly for travellers planning activities in rural or mountainous areas,
tick-borne encephalitis, for hikers visiting forested or high-altitude areas.
It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre before departure.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have assistance and repatriation insurance as well as medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance policy, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed to travel peacefully!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout the duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To enter Kyrgyzstan, a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date is required. No visa is necessary for short-term tourist stays. Kyrgyzstan offers an accessible destination to discover the Tian Shan and nomadic culture. Check with Kyrgyzstan's consular authorities for entry conditions applicable to your nationality before booking.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 110 and 180 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and guide. International flights (500-900 euros return, often via Istanbul) are additional. Kirghizistan is one of the most affordable mountain destinations in the world.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Issyk-Kol Region
Our travel expert, Nomade, based in Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan isn't just visited. It's lived in, over a shared cup of tea in a yurt, at the pace of horses, wind, and human connection.
— Nazira
